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Questions and Answers
What aspect of the self is defined by how we believe others perceive us according to Cooley's theory?
What aspect of the self is defined by how we believe others perceive us according to Cooley's theory?
Which philosopher proposed that the self is a 'blank slate' at birth?
Which philosopher proposed that the self is a 'blank slate' at birth?
In Mead's theory of the social self, which aspect represents one's spontaneous actions?
In Mead's theory of the social self, which aspect represents one's spontaneous actions?
What did Aristotle believe about the relationship between the body and the soul?
What did Aristotle believe about the relationship between the body and the soul?
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Which stage of Cooley's Looking-Glass Self involves imagining how we appear to others?
Which stage of Cooley's Looking-Glass Self involves imagining how we appear to others?
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According to Freud's theory, which component acts as a mediator between societal rules and instinctual drives?
According to Freud's theory, which component acts as a mediator between societal rules and instinctual drives?
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What is the term for the collective norms represented by the generalized others in Mead's theory?
What is the term for the collective norms represented by the generalized others in Mead's theory?
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Which philosopher suggested that the self consists of a bundle of perceptions and sensations?
Which philosopher suggested that the self consists of a bundle of perceptions and sensations?
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Study Notes
Philosophical Perspectives of the Self
- Socrates emphasized the importance of self-knowledge, believing that true wisdom comes from introspection and self-examination.
- Plato viewed the self as immortal and independent of the body, presenting the Tripartite Theory of the Soul, which consists of reason, spirit, and appetite.
- Aristotle argued that body and soul are inseparable, defining the self as a unified and holistic being.
- Saint Augustine believed in a self that is deeply intertwined with God, suggesting a spiritual dimension to personal identity.
- Rene Descartes introduced dualism, positing that the self comprises mind and body and famously stated, "I think, therefore I am."
- John Locke proposed the concept of tabula rasa, suggesting individuals are born as a blank slate shaped by memories and personal experiences.
- David Hume argued that the self is an illusion, identifying it as a mere collection of perceptions, thoughts, and sensations.
- Immanuel Kant differentiated between the inner self (emotional and rational intellect) and the outer self (physical body and senses).
- Sigmund Freud developed a model of the self consisting of the ID, EGO, and SUPEREGO, where the ego mediates between societal rules (superego) and instinctual drives (id).
Looking-Glass Self Theory (Charles Horton Cooley)
- The Looking-Glass Self Theory describes how self-image is formed through our perceptions of how others see us.
- Stages of the Looking-Glass Self include:
- Imagination: Envisioning how we appear to others.
- Interpretation: Assessing how others judge us based on our perceived appearance.
- Self-feeling: Developing our self-concept based on these judgments.
Social Self Theory (George Herbert Mead)
- Mead's Social Self Theory asserts that personal identity is developed through social interactions and cultural expectations.
- Aspects of the Social Self include:
- "I" and "Me": "I" represents the spontaneous, instinctive aspect of self, while "Me" embodies the socialized aspect that considers societal consequences.
- Role-Taking: The ability to envision how others perceive and evaluate us.
- Significant Others and Generalized Others: Significant others (e.g., parents) directly influence our self-concept, while generalized others represent societal norms and expectations.
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Description
Explore the concepts of the self as presented by sociological and philosophical perspectives. This quiz covers Charles Horton Cooley's Looking-Glass Self theory and insights from Socrates and Plato. Test your understanding of how self-image and identity are shaped through social interactions and introspection.
